Living in New York City, I am lucky to be able to eat at some of the best falafel joints outside of the Middle East. At both Taim (Israeli restaurant) and Mamoun’s (Syrian Restaurant) in Manhattan, Middle Eastern salads are a delightful staple of almost every falafel sandwich and veggie platter. Whenever I am in need of a crunchy, refreshing, and slightly tart side dish or topping, I turn to my Middle Eastern Salad.

My very simple and zesty Middle Eastern Salad recipe was influenced by my family and our love for Arab and Israeli food. The Middle Eastern Salad is a staple in our home. Perhaps, it found its way into Guatemalan cuisine from Middle Eastern immigrants who have been welcomed into Latin America. I’m not sure exactly how this lemony salad made its way into my family’s table; but, I am eternally grateful for it!

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The Thai Cocojito was inspired by a drink I had at a beach shack in Koh Lanta, Thailand. Koh Lanta is a beautiful, pristine island off the Andaman Coast. While in Koh Lanta, I ate the most delicious Pad Thai on planet earth and kept hydrated with the freshest coconuts and natural fruit juices/smoothies. While tourism is growing in Koh Lanta, it remains mostly untouched and true to its cultural and food traditions. The people of Koh Lanta are some of the most genuinely kind and warm people I’ve had the pleasure to encounter.

Coffee will always hold an esteemed seat at my Latin American family’s table. With family roots in Guatemala- a country that produces some of the best coffee beans in the world- my parents were raised with coffee as one of their basic food groups. Y’all can rest assured, that in my family’s home, there is always coffee after every meal.

My love of coffee evolved from a sweet, morning ritual I shared with my dad during my childhood. Every morning before heading off to work and school, my family had breakfast together. Being conscientious parents and fearing that they would stunt my growth, my mom and dad did not let me drink coffee except during family breakfast. My dad would always let me have 3 tiny sips from his coffee cup to start off the morning. He would tell me that it was the family’s secret to keeping healthy and happy. It stuck with me- 3 sips of coffee in the morning are the key to happiness- at least for some of us!

I’m not advising that you give your children coffee except for the occasional sip. I am just saying that if you truly love coffee and it adds a simple pleasure to your daily hustle, you should happily enjoy it without worrying that you’re being unhealthy. I love healthy living, and I also love coffee!

This delicious chocolate coffee smoothie makes it possible for me to enjoy nourishment and coffee together in one cup! When you take a sip of this smoothie, you’ll be immediately transported back to the memories of your favorite childhood chocolate milkshake. You’ll delight in its creaminess and earthiness!